Make a Small Room Bigger
With the right decorating techniques, even the smallest room can be made to seem larger. Here are some ideas from Karen Curry, of Karen Curry Design in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Use big mirrors, resting against walls (rather than being hung up) to reflect natural light from nearby windows.
- Break tradition by painting small rooms with deep colors to create interest.
- Put big pieces of furniture, like an armoire, in a small room, instead of decorating in miniature.
- Cut openings in walls to visually connect adjoining rooms. Finish the openings with wood mouldings (like a picture frame) to draw the eye through.
- When renovating, consider replacing ordinary single doors with a pair of over-height French doors for a more spacious feeling.
- Put something special in each room , no matter how small.
- Remove all unnecessary items–be strict. And do away with furniture you really don’t like. Curry suggests hiding unnecessary furnishings away for a month, if you find paring down difficult. What you don’t miss can then be sold or given away.
